Shipwrecks: Past & Present

Today’s shipwrecks include a Union Army transport and a couple of sailing vessels destroyed for attempting to run the Federal blockade of the south, as well as other vessels from earlier and later time periods. They include a British submarine and freighter, both sunk by the same German submarine during WWII, within just hours of each other.

The 17th day of April has not only seen lots of shipwrecks. In one instance in 1617, a Dutch “pirate” ship, which had run out of cannon balls, loaded its heavy guns with stolen gold and silver to fire into the attacking Spanish fleet. And then there is the question of whether the Dutch freighter Sembilan was involved in the shipment of Iranian gold pahlevis and British gold sovereigns when she was torpedoed during World War II? Read more below.

The most tragic ship loss to take place on any April 16 was certainly that of the German steamer Goya in 1945 with almost 7,000 lives. Other losses for this day in history included the French frigate Harmonie in 1797 and the Confederate gunboat Chattahoochee in 1864. And there is even a mystery. Was the SS Lake Michigan carrying silver bullion when she was torpedoed in 1918?

Considerable treasure is believed to have been lost in some shipwrecks that took place on April 13.

Today’s Shipwrecks™April 13
compiled and edited by Dr. E. Lee Spence

1749: Two of the East India Company’s ships were lost during a storm, variously described as a hurricane or a monsoon, that struck the eastern coast of India on April 13, 1749. These wrecks are significant, not ...

1749: The British hospital ship, HMS Apollo, 20 guns, commanded by Lieutenant Robert Wilson, with 350 men aboard, was wrecked a hurricane on the coast of South Arcot (southeast India) on April 12, 1749. She was described as dismasted and “on the point” between Fort David and Cuddalore, which is about 100 miles from Madras. Some records ...

I have included the story of the 1968 wreck of the Wahine, which I hope people will find interesting. I was busy with lots of other stuff today and I didn’t get time to include any of the dozens of World War One and World War Two shipwrecks of this day. I will go back and add them when I get some extra time.

Well over fifty shipwrecks in this day’s list. I am sure I have left lots of wrecks and information out, but I will keep working on it. I have already added to some of the previous lists and will keep working on them too. — Lee

Today’s Shipwrecks™
for April 9compiled and edited by Dr. E. Lee Spence

Trademark Notice: Shipwrecks, Shipwrecks.com and Shipwrecks Incorporated are trademarks jointly claimed and owned by Edward Lee Spence; Shipwrecks, Inc.; and Narwhal Press Inc. Except when individually noted, all other trademarks shown in the content of this site are the individual property of their registered owners.